News

As you all know, the Ontario Public Health Regulations regarding COVID-19 are being eased as of Monday, January 31, 2022, which includes the ability to return to larger group hikes of up to 25 in the outdoors. The Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association Inc., however, still wishes to restrict participation in group hikes to fully vaccinated (preferably including the booster) individuals and to give priority to Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association members. 

Carpooling remains “tricky”. However, we believe that we can support carpooling as follows:    Max of 4 people per car
    Mask wearing
    Windows cracked
    All fully vaccinated

To improve ventilation, consider using the vehicle climate control system and the car windows to improve fresh air intake/air circulation. Increased airflow can reduce contaminant buildup. Avoid using the recirculated air option.

Some hikers may still feel hesitant to drive with others, and others may still feel hesitant to share their car or may want to limit passengers to one person only in the back seat. Let’s be sensitive to these concerns and leave it up to the individuals to decide what they are comfortable with. 

And lastly, space permitting, fully vaccinated non-members may participate in our group hikes; hike leaders should have them fill in the Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk, as posted here. On the form, non-members need to provide their contact information and emergency contact name and number. (Members already confirmed that they read and will abide by the terms and conditions listed on the waiver when they renewed their membership or signed up for a new membership.)

Thank you all for your cooperation. Happy Winter Hiking!

Frieda Baldwin
President, Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association Inc. 

While being cautiously optimistic, we are looking forward to the loosening of the Ontario Health Regulations with respect to Covid, which – as announced yesterday – will be effective as of January 31, 2022. At that time, we expect that outdoor group hike attendance can be increased to 25.
However, until that time, strict guidelines have to be followed by all hike participants:

– max 10 for group hikes; social distancing, including mask wearing if within 2 m of each other; only fully vaccinated hikers can participate in group hikes; car-pooling not recommended, unless with members of your household.

We have no provincial guidelines regarding carpooling, but we set our car-pooling guidelines to be logically consistent with the tightened restrictions currently in place.  Thus, in keeping with the “loosened” restrictions expected Jan. 31, at that time we think it is reasonable to resume carpooling within the previous guidelines – windows cracked open for ventilation, and masks on, max 4 per vehicle.

The following is an update to the GHTA Inc COVID-19 protocol, effective immediately.

– Participants in scheduled GHTA club hikes must be fully vaccinated.

– Carpooling can now be resumed with 4 people max (incl. the driver) per car, wearing a mask (because of the indoor space and lack of social distancing), windows left cracked open.  It is entirely the choice of drivers to allow 4 persons, or fewer if they are not comfortable with 4.

– We count on the honesty of our members with respect to their vaccination status.  However, drivers who offer to shuttle participants in their private cars may ask passengers for proof of their vaccination status.

– During the hikes, public health measures continue including maintaining social distance and wearing masks when unable to do so.

– Individuals who do not feel well are asked not to participate in group hikes.